Yes, patio season is here, which also means rooftop season has started. While some hot spots offer a literal elevated experience all year long, others only open the doors, and the pools, after Memorial Day. The time is now, so go out in Denver and catch a great view to go with your meal.
Bar Tropical at Pindustry
New on the scene is Bar Tropical, the tiki-inspired rooftop bar on top of Greenwood Village’s Pindustry, a haven of eatertainment. With plenty of cornhole boards available to rent, hula hoops to take for a spin, and frozen cocktails, there’s plenty to do. Guests can order food from the regular menu too, and take their Sweet Chili Shrimp and Cubano with a side of the city’s skyline. 7939 E. Arapahoe Road, Greenwood Village, thepindustry.com
Linger
There’s nothing new about Linger, it’s been a popular restaurant in LoHi since 2011. But summer is coming, which means the tiered rooftop patio will be open for those looking for some alfresco views to go with happy hour, lunch, or dinner. The cuisine comes from around the world, with options such as steamed bao buns, skewers, the Smashed Wagyu Slider, and Hot Honey Street Fries. The rooftop area also serves one of Denver’s best frozés, along with other cocktails, beer, and wine. 2030 W. 30th Ave., Denver, ediblebeats.com
Tap Fourteen
Located on the roof of Hayter’s & Co. in LoDo, Tap Fourteen is great place to party outside, with a great view and drink in hand. It’s mostly a bar, boasting 70 Colorado craft beers on tap and claiming to have the largest selection of Colorado whiskey in Denver. 1920 Blake St., Denver, tapfourteen.com
Rare Bird at Halcyon, a hotel in Cherry Creek
It’s time to take advantage of Rare Bird, the seasonal rooftop bar and restaurant atop Halcyon, a hotel in Cherry Creek. This year you can check out items made in the open-air, wood-fired oven such as meatballs, grilled cheese, the venue’s signature Colorado pizza, and more.
Enjoy bites alongside a menu of craft cocktails and entertainment. Weekly events include pizza classes, trivia, rooftop poolside movie nights, industry nights, and the Bird Dog happy hour for guests and their four-legged friends (the first one starts June 30). Plus, all the views you can handle. 245 Columbine St., Denver, halcyonhotelcherrycreek.com
Cimera
Late last year, Cimera opened up on the roof of The Source Hotel + Market in RiNo, taking over the space that once housed The Woods. While the concept leans toward Latin American bites by executive chef Geoff Cox and bright cocktails, the views remain the same. Take a seat on the wrap-around outdoor porch, which is protected by tall glass walls so you can dine alfresco and take in the Denver cityscape no matter the season. 3330 Brighton Blvd., Denver, cimeradenver.com
Sorry Gorgeous
If looking for a swank cocktail lounge that also resides on a roof, well Sorry Gorgeous is the place for you. The inside of the bar is just as beautiful as the view, and when you add on a signature drink the experience elevates even more. Dive a plate of mini tacos and a craft cocktails like the Chai Me a River (rye whiskey, Averna amaro, chai, lemon, and honey), and celebrate the season. Inside Novel RiNo, 1350 40th St., Denver, sorrygorgeousrooftop.com
54thirty Rooftop Bar at Le Méridien Denver Downtown
Order hand-crafted cocktails and globally inspired bites roughly 5,430-feet high at the aptly named 54thirty Rooftop Bar downtown. The setting proves casual, though after 6 p.m., only those 21-plus can enjoy the space. The menu changes seasonally, and though the venue is open most days, it’s dependent on the weather. 1475 California St., Denver, 54thirty.com
Rook at the Catbird Hotel
Last year Denver welcomed Rook, a clubhouse located on top of the Catbird Hotel in RiNo. Rook not only has the views, but also all the games such as backgammon, pool, card games, board games, and more. As you play, listen DJs spinning obscure jazz and dance tracks as the evening progresses.
The beverage menu features house creations such as a frozen Espresso Martini, Ranch Ranch Water with Hidden Valley-infused vodka, and zero-proof options like the Soft Power with white orchard tea, black pepper, sage, honey, and candied ginger. Food remains playful and easy with an adult “Lunchable”, elote grilled cheese, and Mexican fruit plate complete with Tajin. 3770 Walnut St., Denver, rookrooftop.com
Halo Rooftop Bar at the Kimpton Claret
One of the best views around can be had at Halo Rooftop Bar, which sits on the 19th floor of the Kimpton Claret. In fact, it’s a 180-degree views of the Front Range, Greenwood Village, and Cherry Creek Reservoir, means almost any spot you sit at will be perfect. Also on the roof, find outdoor fire pits, live DJs nights starting at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and elevated snacks such as truffle-laced chicken nuggets, shrimp cocktail, and a gorgeous ice cream sundae. 6985 E. Chenango Ave., Denver, halobardenver.com
Hey Kiddo/Okay Yeah
On top of id est’s bustling eatery in Berkeley is Okay Yeah, the rooftop space open Tuesday through Sunday from 5 p.m. to close. There are only 15 first-come-first-served seats, so it’s an intimate and special spot. The menu proves simple with a bespoke cocktail creation suited to each person, and daily hand roll specials. 4337 Tennyson St., Denver, hk-oy.com
Stellar Jay at the Populus Hotel
When Stellar Jay opened on top of the beautiful Populus Hotel in Downtown Denver, it came with one of the best views of the capitol building and surrounding areas around it. Head up here any time of the year for a cocktail on the rooftop patio, and bites cooked over a live fire. Think the show stopping Bison Tomahawk with chimichurri, Bison Short Ribs, and Gnocchi with broccoli pesto and ricotta. Order a cocktail on tap, and head to the patio to watch the sunset reflect on gold dome. 240 14th St., Denver, stellarjayrestaurant.com
Bloom by Apple Blossom at Hyatt Centric Downtown Denver
This downtown hotel has a spacious top-floor rooftop with drinks and small plates cultured by the lobby restaurant, Apple Blossom. Dubbed Bloom, diners can order playful dishes such the Adult Happy Meal with chicken strips, The Dog with Buckner Family Ranch sausage in a locally made hot dog bun, and fries with all the dips. Open Thursday through Saturday from 4 to 9 p.m., guests can sit back in the plush seating and take in the stunning cityscape views. 1776 Champa St., Denver, hyatt.com
Avanti Food & Beverage Denver
Since opening in 2015, this LoHi foodhall has been the place to be for rooftop extravaganzas. One, the view of Downtown Denver is gorgeous, and two you can get drinks and food from a handful of vendors serving everything from pizza to burgers to donor sandwiches.
New this year is Shuck Brothers, located right on the roof and ready to serve oysters, lobster rolls, and other beach-side delights for the season. And, if it rains, enjoy the rooftop safely inside the building. 3200 N. Pecos St., Denver, avantifandb.com
Kisbee on the Roof at the Jacquard Hotel
Score a day pass to enjoy the pool, craft cocktails, and tasty bites at this Cherry Creek rooftop oasis. Rent a private cabana, or simply snag a lounge chair by the water. Live DJs enhance the mood every Friday and Saturday night, which is 21-and-up. Otherwise, all can enjoy the serene setting and gorgeous view of the mountains. 222 Milwaukee St., Denver, thejacquard.com
FIRE at The ART Hotel Denver
Head to The ART Hotel Denver to celebrate its 10-year anniversary with a series of curated events and experiences. Plus, there’s a great outdoor patio that’s as close to being on the roof as possible. Order a drink from FIRE, the property’s restaurant, and sip alfresco. 1201 N. Broadway, Denver, thearthotel.com
BurnDown
This South Broadway spot offers a view as vast as its interior’s square footage. The casual eatery is massive, some 24,000 square-feet over three floors, all centered around an atrium that resulted from a fire in 1978 that destroyed much of the building’s interior.
But from those ashes rose a restaurant bathed in natural light. On the second level, an open-air sun deck collects spillover crowds from around the venue, which includes an all-day lounge and acoustic stages. But the jewel in BurnDown’s crown is the roof deck, accessed from the indoor-outdoor third floor. The visage from up there is an all-encompassing front row seat to the Front Range. Plus, the view of downtown’s skyline is the little cherry on top of the umbrella drink you’re using to wash down the gastropub’s elevated bar food. 476 S. Broadway, Denver, burndowndenver.com
